
Released in 2017, 'Shape of You' is one of Ed Sheeran's most successful singles, topping charts worldwide. Co-written by Sheeran and Steve Mac, the song showcases a captivating blend of pop and dancehall influences. Its vibrant energy and relatable lyrics make it an excellent resource for English learners, particularly those looking to improve their conversational skills. The song's widespread acclaim includes multiple awards and honors, solidifying its place in contemporary music history.
Lyrics
A club isn't the best place to find a lover
So the bar is where I go
Me and my friends at the table doing shots
Drinking fast and then we talk slow
And you come over and start up a conversation with just me
And trust me, I'll give it a chance now
Take my hand, stop, put Van the Man on the jukebox
And then we start to dance, and now I'm singing like
Girl, you know I want your love
Your love was handmade for somebody like me
Well, come on now, follow my lead
I may be crazy, don't mind me
Say, "Boy, let's not talk too much"
Grab on my waist and put that body on me
Well, come on now, follow my lead
Come, come on now, follow my lead, mm
I'm in love with the shape of you
We push and pull like a magnet do
Although my heart is falling too
I'm in love with your body
And last night, you were in my room
And now my bed sheets smell like you
Every day, discovering something brand new
Well, I'm in love with your body
Well, I'm in love with your body
Well, I'm in love with your body
[...]
One week in, we let the story begin
We're going out on our first date
You and me are thrifty, so go all-you-can-eat
Fill up your bag and I fill up a plate
We talk for hours and hours about the sweet and the sour
And how your family is doing okay
And leave and get in a taxi, and kiss in the back seat
Tell the driver make the radio play and I'm singing like
Grammar
The Present Continuous tense describes actions that are currently happening or ongoing. It is formed with the verb 'to be' plus the '-ing' form of the main verb, allowing learners to express ongoing actions in a more dynamic way.
"we're going out on our first date" — Indicates an action that is scheduled and ongoing in the present.
"I'm in love with your body" — Shows a current emotion or state that is actively felt.
"we talk for hours and hours" — Refers to an ongoing activity happening in the present.
The Simple Present tense is used for habitual actions, general truths, and facts. It typically includes the base form of the verb and is essential for learners to talk about routines or preferences.
"a club isn't the best place to find a lover" — States a general truth about clubs as a place of meeting.
"you and me are thrifty" — Describes a characteristic trait of the subjects.
"trust me, I'll give it a chance now" — Expresses a habitual action in the future, showing intention.
Fun facts
The song was recorded in a variety of locations, including an Airbnb in the Caribbean, contributing to its laid-back vibe.
Upon its release, 'Shape of You' topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 12 consecutive weeks, becoming one of the longest-running hits.
The song was nominated for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2018, highlighting its significant impact on pop music.
Its music video has garnered over 5 billion views on YouTube, making it one of the platform's most-watched videos.
Many artists, including Demi Lovato and Khalid, have covered 'Shape of You,' showcasing its appeal across different musical styles.
For students
Learning from 'Shape of You' is beneficial due to its catchy and repetitive structure, which reinforces vocabulary and grammar. The song features clear pronunciation and friendly conversational expressions, making it accessible for intermediate learners. Additionally, the rhythmic nature of pop music aids in better retention of the language.
More music
Listen to “Shape of You”, fill in the missing words and earn points. Free.
Play with this song